it’s fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A
Recently it struck me that the only way to get fit was to stop talking about it and actually DO something about it. With that in mind, I joined the YMCA in Downtown Seattle. Over the past year–during my “talking about it” phase–I checked out a variety of gyms in Seattle. There are a lot of great facilities out there but the Y hooked me with their offerings of an excellent facility with a variety of well-maintained machines, a swimming pool complete with lifeguard, friendly & knowledgeable staff, clean locker rooms with sauna, jacuzzi and steamroom, and a quietly supportive atmosphere. Membership is more than affordable for most and if you’re one of those people who can’t quite manage it, you might qualify for financial asistance. Facility membership entitles you to take classes for free or at reduced rates that cover a variety of topics including fitness and much more.
I don’t know what it’s like at other gyms, but it’s grea fun to see the vast variety of folks who work out at the Y; there are people in all kinds of different shapes so if you’ve held back from joining a gym because you feel like you won’t quite fit in, do not let that stop you.
I’ve been going to the Y since moving to downtown Seattle 5 months ago. It’s definitely not the “trendy” place to be, but “trendy” to me usually means salespeople pushing long-term contracts, less space and more time spent surrounded by people there to socialize. When I workout I want to get in and get out fast - while feeling like I’m getting my money’s worth. So far, it’s been worth it to me.
Congrats to you! This may be one of those things one doesn’t cop to online - or maybe it’s exactly the sort of thing one SHOULD cop to - but back when I decided to finally get off my lazy, lazy, thesis-writing enlarged ass after college, I joined the Y, having been a camp counselor at Y camps for years, but never venturing into the fitness side of things.
My local Y (in a Los Angeles suburb) had a free 12-week program that matched me with a trainer who helped me put together a basic routine of cardio and the various weight machines. After 3 months of Y workouts (along with an overhauled food plan - but not a restrictive one, as in, no forbidden foods) I lost 30 pounds. I continued on at a different gym after I moved away and lost another 35.
If I hadn’t started at the Y, I never would’ve stuck with it at all. You’re right - the Y is THE place to go if you’ve ever been intimidated by a gym. There’s no meat-market atmosphere, no girls in make-up or oiled up boys. Just a mixed-bag of folks of all ages who are just happy to be there, doing their thing. It’s usually the undiscovered fitness secret in anytown - normally vastly cheaper - and for me at least - the only effective thing I ever found. Without it, I’d be a lot less fit.
I just ran my first marathon this past summer. I credit the Y for that too.
Good luck!